Frost-protected shallow foundations rely on placing enough insulation outside of a shallow foundation to protect it from heaving due to seasonal freezing. Temperature sensors were installed at two houses with these foundations to measure the thermal regime of the soil.

The Permafrost Technology Foundation produced design manuals and videos created to explain what permafrost is and where it occurs, how to conduct a thorough permafrost site investigation, and techniques for building new structures and stabilizing existing structures on permafrost.

CCHRC monitored builder Thorsten Chlupp’s super low-energy home to see how the innovative systems performed in the Fairbanks climate. The house has super-insulated walls and foundation, an integrated heat storage system, and an open wall design that allows vapor to diffuse through.